Topical Encyclopedia Bartimaeus, a figure in the New Testament, is primarily known for his encounter with Jesus Christ as recorded in the Gospel of Mark. His account is a powerful testament to faith and the transformative power of Jesus' healing.Biblical Account The account of Bartimaeus is found in Mark 10:46-52. Bartimaeus, whose name means "son of Timaeus," was a blind beggar sitting by the roadside near Jericho. As Jesus was leaving the city with His disciples and a large crowd, Bartimaeus heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth passing by. Despite his blindness, Bartimaeus recognized Jesus as the "Son of David," a messianic title, and began to cry out for mercy: "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" (Mark 10:47). The crowd attempted to silence him, but Bartimaeus persisted, crying out even louder. Jesus stopped and commanded that Bartimaeus be brought to Him. When Bartimaeus was told to take heart and rise, he threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. Jesus asked him, "What do you want Me to do for you?" Bartimaeus replied, "Rabboni, I want to see" (Mark 10:51). Jesus said to him, "Go, your faith has healed you." Immediately, Bartimaeus received his sight and followed Jesus along the road (Mark 10:52). Theological Significance Bartimaeus' account is rich with theological implications. His recognition of Jesus as the "Son of David" indicates his belief in Jesus as the Messiah, a central tenet of Christian faith. His persistent cries for mercy demonstrate a deep faith and understanding of Jesus' power to heal and save. The narrative highlights the importance of faith in receiving God's grace and healing. Bartimaeus' response to Jesus' call is also significant. By casting aside his cloak, he symbolically leaves behind his old life and possessions, embracing the new life that Jesus offers. His immediate decision to follow Jesus after receiving his sight exemplifies the call to discipleship and the transformative impact of encountering Christ. Cultural and Historical Context In the cultural and historical context of first-century Judea, blindness was often seen as a sign of sin or divine displeasure. Beggars like Bartimaeus were marginalized and dependent on the charity of others. His boldness in addressing Jesus and his use of the messianic title "Son of David" reflect a profound understanding of Jesus' identity and mission, despite his social status and physical limitations. Lessons from Bartimaeus Bartimaeus serves as an example of unwavering faith and the courage to seek Jesus despite societal pressures. His account encourages believers to persist in prayer and faith, trusting in Jesus' power to heal and transform lives. The account of Bartimaeus reminds Christians of the importance of spiritual sight—recognizing Jesus as Lord and following Him wholeheartedly. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary BartimeusATS Bible Dictionary BartimeusSon of Timeus, a blind man, to whom Christ gave sight, by the wayside near Jericho, Mt 20...29-34; Mr 10...46-52; Lu 18...35-43. There were two healed, according to Matthew; but Mark and Luke only mention Bartimeus, who bore his father's name, as though of a well known family. There is an apparent disagreement as to the time of the occurrence, which has led some to suppose there were two causes at different times, one as Christ entered Jericho and the other as he left it. We may rather suppose that Bartimeus heard the approach of Christ, Luke 18:35, and learned who he was on the first day; and encouraged by the mercy of the Savior to Zaccheus, and being joined by another blind man, called to him for help as he again passed by on his way to Jerusalem. The touching narrative of his steadfast faith, and Christ's ready compassion, should encourage all to go boldly unto Jesus. Library Blind Bartimeus Bartimeus. Bartimeus. Journey to Jericho. --The Healing of Blind Bartimeus. (Matt. , The Man Born Blind and Joseph of Arimathea Table of Contents The Blind Beggar The Lost Opportunity The Otterbein Hymnal Palm Branches. Thesaurus Bartimeus (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Bartimeus (1 Occurrence). Mark 10:46 And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples ... /b/bartimeus.htm - 6k Timeus (1 Occurrence) Bartimae'us (1 Occurrence) Bartimaeus (1 Occurrence) Bar (27 Occurrences) Children Child (355 Occurrences) Highway-side (1 Occurrence) Baruch (24 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Bartimeus (1 Occurrence)Mark 10:46 Subtopics Bartimeus (Bartimaeus): A Blind Man Related Terms |
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